'Major Crimes' adds Nadine Velazquez, Gossett promoted to regular

TNT's crime drama 'Major Crimes' is gearing up for its second season, promoting Robert Gossett to a series regular and adding Nadine Velazquez ('My Name is Earl') to the cast.

Gossett ('The Closer') has appeared in a recurring capacity as Assistant Chief Russell Taylor, Captain Raydor’s (Mary McDonnell) direct superior, throughout the first 'Major Crimes' season. Gossett is reprising his role from 'The Closer,' the series that 'Major Crimes' spun from. In the second season of 'Major Crimes,' Taylor will be seen far more often, along with a new cast member with a little more sex appeal...

Velazquez will play Deputy D.A. Emma Rios in the coming season. Velazquez, known for her roles on the comedy series 'My Name is Earl' and 'The League,' has seen her star skyrocket as of late, appearing in the feature films 'Flight' and 'Snitch.' Velazquez also stars in the upcoming feature 'Aztec Warrior' and recently made a guest appearance on the sitcom 'Raising Hope.'

As Emma Rios, Velazquez interviews Rusty (Graham Patrick Martin) about his involvement as a key witness in the murder case. She immediately causes a stir within the department, coming into conflict with Raydor (McDonnell) when she questions Raydor’s intentions as Rusty’s guardian and challenges her authority.

It was previously reported that another 'The Closer' star, Jonathan del Arco, would be promoted to series regular on 'Major Crimes' come the second season. I suppose that the combination on 'The Closer' was so successful, why not stick with it?